Class is based on material in my book, Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters, but the book is not necessary.  Needles may be dpns, 1 long circ, or 2 circs.  If using dpns, you’ll also need one 24” or longer circular needle for trying the sock on and opening the leg; it can be the same size or smaller than your dpns.  Choose sock yarn in a weight you use often, or, if you want to make fast progress in class, run a strand of Kid Seta or Kid Silk Haze along with your sock yarn (you can then go up about 2 needles sizes and still have a durable, cozy, and lovely sock fabric).  Bring several additional sizes of needles to adjust gauge if necessary.  Also a favorite stitch dictionary, a piece of sturdy (best if it doesn’t bend too easily) cardboard for tracing your foot, and scissors for cutting it out.

Knit any toe-up toe you like, running a lifeline (a sturdy cotton thread, like crochet cotton) through the stitches on the needle once you can stretch the fabric the width of the ball of your foot (stand on a ruler to get this measurement).  If you like, continue working the toe to the width you think you need, but don’t go too much farther, as most of you will be asked to unravel back to your lifeline, or close to it.  If you like, knit several toes in different architectures (must be toe-up), so you can choose which one you want to continue with.